2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Changing gear ratios

[chughes]

I am debating on changing gears in my 2000 2500 4x4 5spd from 4. 10s. I thought either 3. 55s, but not real pleased with my 3500 with 3. 55s when starting from a standstill with 10-15k pounds behind it. Are 3. 73s available? I am interested in hearing any postive or negative experiences and anyone knowing the app. cost mat and labor to change front and rears. (either 3. 55s or 3. 73s)



Thanks

 

[CRSmith]

Maybe try bigger tires first? Gears would probably run you over $1000. If you're running 265/75/16's that's about a 30. 5" tire. If you up the size to a 285/75/16 or 295/75/16 tire, that will be about a 33" or 34" tire. That would approximately equal 3. 73 gear ratio.

 

[chughes]

That was my first thought... but I was told that I should not run that big of a tire on the stock rims... is that true? It made sense from the standpoint that the tires would be "out of shape" and would wear funny. And changing rims would be over 1k also.



What do you think?

 

[CRSmith]

It depends on your rim width. The steel rims are narrower, so you might need a 255/85/r16. The alloy rims are wider so you could get away with 285/75/r16, 305/70/r16, or 295/75/r16. A lot of people run these size tires with no problem. Look at the tire spec and size chart at www.nittotire.com for the terra grappler. That gives reccomendations for rim widths. Or you can use any tire chart from any manufacturer. Also do some searches for 'tire size' and 'stock rim width' to see what others have done.

 

[Big White Beast]

Mines 2WD

So the cost will be greatly different. But yes 3:73's are available and IMHO are the perfect gear. Dodge must have thought so too after all these years. All the newer trucks have 3:73's available.



The only concern for you is the carrier will also have to be changed going from a 4 series gear to a 3 series. That adds a lot to the cost. Tires are probably the way to go, I couldn't handle a larger tire with my utility bed on. That and six new tires cost me more than the gears did.



4:10 to 3:54 swap cost me $500 in labor (hated the 3:54's)

3:54 to 3:73 Gears and labor cost me $800



Six new Michelin XP's with install and road hazard cost me $1300



Garrett

 

[CRSmith]

You might look at this thread also. It deals with what you're going through, and is on this very same page right now.

 

[chughes]

Thanks for the help - one last question on changing tires, if I go to a 305/70r/16 do I need to make a chip change for the ABS? I heard that it might screw up the abs system... . any info is appreciated.



THanks

 

[CRSmith]

Search MAN, for the love of pete!



A search for " ABS tire* "